Issue #3
KIC NEWSLETTER�
July – September 2002
MEMBERSHIP ADDITIONS
New Members:
Blendzall – Larry Eagle
E-Z Bore – John W. Moore
Fury Imports – Joe Janowski
North American Clutch Corp. – Jeff Hargarten
Tommy’s Karts & Parts – Tommy Chumney
Slattery Karting Sales – Pat Slattery
Renewed Memberships:
Bordeaux Dyno Cams – Michael Bordeaux Sr.
Circle Racing Wheels – Jeff Davis
Dill Fabrication Co. Inc. – Brad Sellers
MISI – Jim Stroud
National Kart News – Curt Paluzzi
R & C Kart Shop – Ralph E. Hotfelter
Vortex SRL - Fredrica
For complete contact for the above, please see the complete membership list enclosed.
NATIONAL TECH TEAM�
The National Tech Committee was put in place at the Summit meeting during the February 2002 KMI show with a suggestion of forming a National Tech Team (NTT) to be composed of competent personal with no ties to businesses in the karting industry.
The KIC Board of Directors is proud to announce a team has been formed and have a full schedule for the 2002-racing season.
NTT PROFILES�
Scott G Evans, of Lake County, Illinois, comes from a background of high precision and interpersonal contact. Making his living as a precision mechanical inspector for twenty years, his skills as a metrologist are augmented by his ability to discuss issues and find resolution in a humanist and non-confrontational manner.
Currently serving as the National Technical Director for the International Racing Association, the United States ROTAX
Max Challenge and the Stars of Tomorrow series, his exposure to different venues, wide-ranging rules structures and input from the racers and industry leaders makes him an excellent choice for the KIC National Technical Committee.
He is experienced in rules making, having co-authored the IRA Technical Regulations as well as authoring both the Stars of Tomorrow Technical Regulations and the US National Rules Primer for all official ROTAX Max Challenge events.
Phillip E. Poole, of Ladysmith, Virginia is a retired U. S. Coast Guard Electronic engineer, with 34 years of government service. He was instrumental in the development of the early stages of the computer satellite navigation and secure communications. He has been involved in motorsports for the past 40 years and has been active in Karting since the mid 80’s when both his son and daughter started racing. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Woodbridge Kart Club.
Phil has worked with the World Karting Association Road Racing Series as a Technical Inspector for the past three years. He is presently working with the World Karting Association Manufacturer’s Cup and the WKA/SCCA Constructor’s Championship series technical teams. He is also serving as the Technical Inspector/Director for several tracks in the Mid-Atlantic States serving at both local and divisional levels.
Ron Pierce, of Franklin Ohio comes from a Tool and Die Making background that has progressed him to a Sr. Tooling Engineer for three major Corporations. He is presently in that position with a major Juvenile Products company.
Ron has been in Karting with his son since 1991, and entered the Technical Inspection portion in 1995. He quickly moved from Post Inspections at a Local Level to be a Tech Inspector for the WKA Manufactures Cup and the Tech Director of WKA OSS Regional. He also had the privilege of being involved as an Inspector for the 1st WKA Constructors Cup Championship Series and is presently the Technical Director for the New WKA/SCCA Constructors Championship Series.
Mentored by some of the finest Technical Inspectors in the Country he has developed an expertise for developing and utilizing inspection tools for 2 and 4 cycle Kart engines.
�
Minutes of Board Meeting
June 15, 2002
Indianapolis, Indiana
In Attendance:
Charles Pistorio, PresidentBob White, Executive DirectorNorm DeBoeverDarrell SitarzStan KovalakAngelo Sodano
The meeting was called to order at 9:30 AM
FINANCIAL REPORT:
Bob White reported the following:
Checking Account Balance $13,396.04
Certificate of Deposit $21,648.50
Bob stated that during the five month period January 1-May 31, 2002, KIC operated at a net loss as follows:
Revenues:Membership fees $6,650.00Donation (Sam Hornish) $2,500.00Miscellaneous (Tape Sales) $1,146,60 $ 10,296.60Operating Expenses $ 12,894.46Net Loss $ 2,597.86
SELECTION OF PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENT AND SECRETARY:
Four board members were absent from the meeting. However, Bob White noted that he had received proxies from Tom Fehring and Tom Johnson. Darrell�
had received Dave Larson’s proxy and Charlie had received one from Tom Patronite. Proxies were reviewed by the attendees and officer.
Nominations from the proxies were noted. None of the absent directors wished to be considered for office. After a general discussion the following nominations were made and seconded:
Position Nomination Second
President�
Charlie Pistorio T. Fehring, D. Larson A. Sodano
Vice President�
Angelo Sodano C. Pistorio D. Sitarz
Secretary�
Darrell Sitarz T. Fehring S. Kovalak
Charlie Pistorio agreed to accept the nomination as president only for a one-year period. Stan made the motion to accept the nominations as shown. Norm seconded the motion.
WEB-SITE:
At the time of the meeting the KIC web site was still down. Darrell has been working with the Web Master and the intent is to provide an informative, user-friendly site that is easy to access. He provided the following tentative layout for the site:
Home Page to include:
Representative karting pictures
KIC logo
Introduction to KIC (from KIC brochure)
List of benefits, etc.
Index to include:
List of board members with photos, biography with telephone/FAX numbers
and/or e-mail addresses.
Introduction to karting (from KIC brochure) with representative photos
On-line newsletter, including KIC meeting minutes
National Tech Committee information
Calendar of events (meetings, shows, etc.)
Application to join KIC
Press releases
Membership list
Archives-to include past newsletters
Business articles
KIC products (video, consumer brochures, pins, patches, etc.)
There was a general discussion of the proposed format. Much of the discussion centered the sale of KIC products, including the approximately 400 remaining videotapes. The tapes will be for sale on the site. In addition, Darrell will investigate the possibility of selling them on e-Bay. After a discussion of estimated costs, the board members set prices for the consumer brochures at $.30 each or $75.00 for 250. A copy of the brochure, as well as a copy of the KIC membership list, is also to be included with each video sold. It was suggested that the “KIC products” be listed as “tools to promote the sport”.
Other items discussed included the credit report. The board agreed that the credit report should not be included on the site because of potential liability issues. Charlie suggested that there be a section on the site dealing with tracks. Darrell suggested that members be sent an e-mail each time the site is updated (which is planned to be monthly). The e-mail reminder is available for a nominal price and would encourage members to keep using the site. Since Darrell is the interface with the Web Master, board members should funnel their input and information through either Darrell or Bob White.
CREDIT REPORT:
Bob White noted that the credit report has been totally redone because much of the information was outdated. However, there is very little information in the report because not many members are providing input. This generated a discussion about the reasons members are not providing input. Both Darrell and Angelo stated that their home states have laws that make individuals legally liable if they publicize another individual’s bad credit history; therefore, they are reluctant to provide information for the report. Angelo suggested that KIC might be able to work with a credit-reporting agency to avoid potential liability. Bob was tasked with contacting Dunn & Bradstreet, TRW and some other agencies to explore the cost and feasibility.
NATIONAL TECH COMMITTEE AND TECH TEAM:
Bob White, head of the committee, outlined his progress to date. He has talked with the designated representatives from the various organizations. They have reviewed the organizations’ tech manuals, noted differences and resolved many of them. Currently the only major problems with two-cycle engines relate to HPV differences between WKA and IKF.�
Less progress has been made in the four-cycle area. Bob stated that he had received calls, emails and letters concerning problems with the WKA/IKF rules dealing with the Briggs “animal” engine. He cited one problem that means increased cost to the karter. The problem is that existing Digatron gauges won’t fit in the “animal” head and WKA/IKF rules don’t allow machining of the head so that the gauges will fit. Bob’s comment generated a lengthy discussion of other problems with the “animal” engine. There is an additional cost to replace the factory flywheel because it is too light under WKA/IKF rules. And there is a safety issue in the placement of the carburetor over the wheel. Some board members noted that these problems have been solved under CIK rules for the Formula 4-cycle engine, which allow machining the head, using the stock flywheel and changing the carburetor placement. Norm volunteered to research the carburetor issue.
At this point Angelo raised some safety issues regarding enduro karts. In his opinion the rules need to be updated to keep pace with technology changes. His major concern dealt with brakes. Stan stated that there is an inexpensive retainer that keeps the brake pads from popping out but that nobody uses it. Stan agreed to get specifics on the brake retainers.
As the result of these discussions on the various safety issues, the board agreed to prepare letters to the karting organizations. The letters will advise them of these safety issues that have come to KIC’s attention through the national tech committee.
In a return to his update on the national tech committee, Bob asked for help in the area of four-cycle engines. The board agreed that Bob should contact Charlie Sox and ask him to join the tech committee. At Bob’s suggestion, Angelo Sodano was added to the tech committee to interface with SKUSA on shifter kart issues.
At this time there was a short discussion about WKA’s announced rule change allowing the ICC engine to run in the same 125-cc class as the moto engines next year. The board asked Bob to contact WKA with suggested rule changes on increased cc for the moto engines, homologated pipes and silencers as a means of equalizing the engines in the class.
Next, Bob gave a status report on the national tech team. Bob has organized a team consisting of Ron Pierce, Phil Poole and Scott Evans. Jack Hoergel and Jim Stroud has also expressed interest and will be asked join the team next year as alternates. Ron Pierce and Phil Poole will be working with WKA and SCCA on their Constructors’ Cup series. Phil Poole will also be working with the WKA Manufacturer’s Cup series events. Scott Evans is working with the IRA and the NAKA series. Bob and Darrell are planning a press release recognizing the activities of the tech committee.
LOGO SLICK FOR ADVERTISING:
The board agreed to have slicks of the KIC logo made for members to use in magazine ads.
CREDIT CARD PROGRAM:
Bob obtained information from the Bank of Kentucky about a credit card program for KIC members. The bank quoted a set-up fee, a per application fee, a monthly fee and transaction fees that the board considered to be too expensive. Darrell volunteered to contact his bank for another quote.
SALE OF KIC APPAREL:
Current plans are that KIC will sell various apparel items with the KIC logo. Bob got quotes on T-shirts and sweatshirts, but other board members thought they were too high. Norm and Darrell volunteered to get other quotes on the shirts as well as hats and patches.
HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM FOR MEMBERS:
Bob contacted Brad Swiggert and several other insurance company representatives. None of the people contacted would quote because of the small number of participants and the large number of states that would be covered. After a short discussion of the various problems, the board decided to drop the issue.
MEMBERSHIP DRIVE:
Charlie Pistorio has reviewed the current and prior membership lists and identified companies and individuals that did not renew their memberships. He presented a letter which he plans to send to those he identified encouraging them to consider rejoining. The board reviewed the letter and suggested various changes. Darrell suggested that the letter also be sent to his industry mailing list in an effort to attract other new members. The board agreed to do so. The board members also agreed to make follow-up contact with as many of their dealers and suppliers as possible.
SUMMIT MEETING:
The next “summit” meeting was scheduled for Monday, November 4, 2002 in Charlotte. It is planned for noon to 4:00 PM and will include lunch.
NEXT KIC MEETING DATE:
The next meeting was scheduled for Sunday, November 3, 2002 in Charlotte. The meeting is planned for 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM and will include dinner. If needed, the meeting will be continued on Monday morning, November 4, 2002.
NON-AGENDA ITEMS DISCUSSED:
Business Plan:
Angelo suggested that KIC should have a business plan. He volunteered to prepare a draft and the board agreed.
Kart Week USA:
Darrell suggested that KIC plan a weeklong, countrywide promotion of karting. He volunteered to prepare a marketing plan for the event.
National Track Committee:
Charlie suggested that KIC form a National Track Committee and that Tom Johnson be appointed chairman. The board agreed and Bob will contact Tom.
About 3:30 PM Darrell made a motion for adjournment. The motion, seconded by Norm, was unanimously approved.
KIC WEB SITE
The Karting Industry Council website: (www.kartindustrycouncil.com) is in the process of being redesigned and should be available on-line within a few weeks. The colorful and easily accessible site will include the following information:
? Introduction to KIC
? Application to join KIC
? Introduction to Karting
? Board Meeting Minutes
? List of board members and contact info
? On-line newsletter
? National Summit Conference information
? National Tech Committee information
? Calendar of Events
? Association News Releases
? Membership List
? Member Links
? Business Articles
? Archives
? KIC Promotional Products
KIC PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS
KIC has a number of items members (and non-members) can use to promote karting.
“INTRODUCTION TO THE EXCITING WORLD OF KARTING” -VIDEO�
This exciting video is ideal for individuals and organizations who are eager to learn about the affordable sport of kart racing, and also for dealers who wish to educate potential customers. There are more than 100,000 kart racers in the United States and the number is growing rapidly.
The fast-paced video gives an overview of the sport, including class structure, track types and regional programs. It also features interviews with Indy Racing League (IRL) stars Mark Dismore and Scott Sharp, both former kart racing champions. A must for your karting video library.
PROMOTIONAL VIDEO
Part Number: KV
$7.95 Non-members�
$5.95 Members
“INTRODUCTION TO THE EXCITING WORLD OF KARTING” VIDEO — LOOP EDITION
The same exciting video as above but as a 1-hour loop edition with multiple plays for use in your showroom or at trade shows
PROMOTIONAL VIDEO - LOOPED EDITION
Part Number: KVL
$12.95 each, Non-members�
$10.95 each, Members
KIC LAPEL PIN
The KIC logo on a custom-made lapel pin with military clasp attachment. Ideal for that special someone or to show your commitment to the karting industry.
KIC Lapel Pin
Part Number: KLP�
$2.95 each, Non-Member
$1.95 each, Members
�
KIC DECAL
Show the world your commitment to karting with this glossy self-adhesive decal�
Size 4-1/8 x 2-11/16.
KIC DECAL
Part Number: KS�
$.95 each, Non-members
$.75 each, Members
KIC CONSUMER BROCHURE
A full color, tri-fold slick promotional brochure. This quality product describes all aspects of kart racing; Sprint, Road Racing and Speedway, as well as engine choices, etc. Great for showroom, trade show or mall show distribution as well as mass mailings. Available in bulk – 250 pieces.
CONSUMER BROCHURE
Part Number: KCB�
(250 pieces)
$75.00 Non-members
Members- Call for price
All KIC Promotional Products are available from Bob White at bwkic@msn.com or on-line at the new KIC website.
ONE MINUTE NEGOTIATING PRIMER
By Roger Dawson
1. Devalue the importance of the bargaining chip — don’t let someone know how important it is to you.
2. If you reach an impasse, set aside the key issue and create momentum by reaching agreement on little points.
3. Never jump at the first offer, however well as it looks.
4. At the end, nibble for something extra, or something the other party wouldn’t agree to earlier. However, look out for people nibbling on you. You’re most vulnerable when you think the negotiations are all over.
5. Flinch at the other side’s proposal. They may not think for a moment that you’ll agree to it and flinching will get you a concession.
6. When asked for a small concession, ask for something in return. It stops the grinding away process.
7. Position the other side for easy acceptance with a small concession made at just the last moment.
Excerpted from a book, Roger Dawson’s Secrets of Power Negotiating (Career Press, $21.95). Details: 1-800-YDAWSON.
MORE ON NEGOTIATING
By Chester L. Karrass
“Once upon a time, there was a bear who was hungry and a man who was cold, so they decided to negotiate in a neutral cave. After several hours, an agreement was reached: The man emerged with a fur coat and the bear was no longer hungry.”
According to well-known negotiator Chester L. Karrass, the common perception is that everybody wins in a successful negotiation. In reality, both parties gain in a successful negotiation, but more often than not, one party wins more that the other.
Negotiations play an important role in our everyday affairs. We negotiate in all aspects of life, from buying and selling to raising children. At work, we bargain with supervision for higher stakes. Those successful, win a greater share of money, freedom and respect. Some capable men are always told precisely what to do while others are treated as human beings. Some quiver at the sight of authority while others hold their heads high and demand a share of power. Some managers get work done by force while others exert influence through persuasion, loyalty and reason. A negotiation takes place whenever ideas are exchanged for the purpose of influencing behavior.
Karrass suggests that during a negotiation, six questions must be constantly analyzed:
1. Can I enhance my base of power by taking an action I am not presently taking?
2. Can I enhance my base of power by permitting or forcing my opponent to take an action he/she in not presently taking?
3. Can I enhance my base of power by causing my opponent and myself to take an action together we are not presently taking?
4. Can I enhance my base of power by not taking an action I am presently taking?
5. Can I enhance my base of power by preventing my opponent from taking an action he/she is presently taking?
6. Can I enhance my base of power by preventing my opponent and myself from taking an action we are presently taking?
We must be prepared to negotiate and resolve differences in a civilized way: to listen; to be responsive; and to be unafraid to adjust to conflicting values. The alternative is violence.
Source: “THE NEGOTIATING GAME” by Chester L. Karrass.
Note: These and other interesting articles are available monthly on www.e-KMI.com.
